The Birth Squad

20-"Two Heart Beats" -Dr. Reyes' Twin Pregnancy Journey


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In this episode, we chat about twin pregnancies with Birth Warrior and OBGYN, Dr. Griselda Reyes.

Terms:

Twins:  there are two fetuses in the uterus. This is a rare occurrence that can be due to family history, fertility treatments or other factors.

  • Dichorionic diamniotic twins – each has their own separate placenta and separate sac.

  • Monochorionic diamniotic twins – share a single placenta but have their own separate sacs. 

  • Monochorionic monoamniotic twins – share both a placenta and a sac. 

  • Maternal Fetal Medicine (Perinatologist):  OB/GYNs who get specialized training on high risk pregnancies. 

    Doula:  A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, manage pain during delivery, and assist with breastfeeding/lactation needs. 

    Bradycardia:  occurs when a fetus (developing baby) has a sustained heart rate slower than 110 beats per minute (BPM).

    Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia):  High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage. 

    • Signs/symptoms include:  Headache unrelieved by pain medication, vision changes, protein in your urine, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure, and low platelet levels. 

    • Treatment:  Magnesium is usually used to prevent seizure and IV blood pressure 

    • Eclampsia:  A seizure related high blood pressure 

    • Ketamine:  an anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.

      NICU:  the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early.  Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer:

      • Level 1 NICU | Basic care - provide care for healthy full-term babies. 

      • Level 2  NICU| Advanced care - offer care for babies born at or after 32 weeks.

      • Level 3 NICU| Specialized care - care for very sick babies and offer access to a wide range of pediatric specialists and equipment. 

      • Level 4 NICU| Highest level of care - provides a full range of healthcare providers and equipment for very sick babies. 

      • Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC):  Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or less cesareans. 

        • Please talk to your provider to see if your hospital offer this option 

        • Bilateral Tubal Ligation:  a surgical procedure that creates permanent contraception, or sterilization.


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          The Birth SquadBy Dr. Ijeoma Bello and Dr. Kimeshia Thomas